questions & answers

Question: Summary: My landlord sent me a notice to vacate from the residence using a text message. Is a text message a legally binding notice to vacate? Full: I have been a tenant for 4 years at the residence. My lease expired July 13, 2018. We did not renew the lease this year, so I've been paying month-to-month. I got a new out of state job and scheduled the movers for July 13. She suddenly sent me a text message on May 30 to vacate by July 1. She did not give me notice that she was looking for a new tenant. I have never been late or delinquent on rent payment. What are my legal options?

Answer: When a landlord wishes to terminate a month-to-month rental agreement, the landlord may do so by providing the tenant with 30 days’ advance written notice (A.R.S. 33-1375). There remains some debate about whether or not “written” notice may be electronic. You may wish to seek a legal opinion about this. There are links to free and low-cost legal services on this website (at http://www.azlawhelp.org/accessToJustice).